Optician news in brief

A man who took part in last summer's London riots has been sentenced to five years imprisonment for offences including leading an attack on a Hackney optical practice where 20,000 pairs of frames were stolen. Junior Saunders pleaded guilty to six charges including burglary at Eye London Opticians, Mare Street, Hackney.

Independents have been advised to 'look very closely at managing their overheads while embarking upon a tangible communications strategy that will encourage existing patients to return', ahead of Sight Care's 2012 Annual National Business Conference next month. 'Times are tough, and it's likely to stay that way for some time to come,' added Sight Care chief executive Paul Surridge. The annual event, which has the banner Dare to be Different, takes place February 27 at the Metropole Hotel NEC Birmingham. To reserve a place register at www.sightcare.co.uk.